Sure, you can install Linux on a brand new PC, but my experience with it has been as a means to resurrect or at least resuscitate older hardware. I've found that when it comes to fixing up older machines there appear to be 4 basic classes of Linux candidates, namely:
(1) Gently Used
These machines tend to have a fast Pentium III, Celeron or AMD processor, lots of RAM, and a fairly decent hard drive and video card. It probably runs (or ran) Windows Me originally.
The likelihood of getting one of these at a garage sale or recycling depot is low. People still think they have value (they don't) so they are currently still in use or gathering dust in a closet for a few more years. The only ones I've encountered are my own rebuilt machine or one my neighbor was about to retire that I fixed for her.
These machines run just about any desktop version of Linux you want and play MP3s, have good graphics, and so on.
Verdict: A pleasure. I wish more of these were out there.
(2) Used
Here you'll get slow Pentium III or Celeron, not much RAM, barely usable hard drive and video. These machines usually ran Windows 98 and are slightly older. They are starting to show up in recycling stores or second-hand outlets. They were cheap when originally purchased (although the clones are better than name brands like Compaq.) To be useful they need added RAM - which is pretty cheap - and maybe a larger hard drive. It's not worth adding more than 256 MB of RAM though.
They'll run the more resource hungry desktops like Gnome and KDE plus browsers like Firefox, albeit at a more leisurely pace. They'll do better with a lighter Linux desktop like Xubuntu or Vector Linux.
Verdict: Generally OK but add some memory.
(3) Junk
These feature Pentium II or K-6-2 processors, poor video, and low RAM and hard drive. They usually ran Windows 95 although some have Windows 98 on them now. These are easy to get and harder to fix up.
I have a Compaq Armada laptop that falls into this category. I picked it up cheap at a recycling outlet.
It has a nice 20GB hard drive and a pretty LCD display, but needed 128 MB of RAM to maximize its memory capacity before it was worth installing anything. Even with maximum memory it cried out for a lighter Linux desktop so I installed Vector Linux, and now run it with Fluxbox ( a very light window manager). It now has a wireless card I got for $30 or so.
Verdict: Surprisingly OK if you know what to do.
(4) Real Junk
Here you'll have a Pentium 133 or less, low RAM that is expensive to upgrade and has a maximum that is 80 MB or so, crappy video and miniscule hard drive. Often these pigs don't even have a CD-ROM. These always run (or ran) Windows 95. You often get these at a second hand shop, but people should really pay to get them recycled rather than donate them to anyone.
I have a Fujitsu 735Dx laptop like this. It took a lot of research to find a version of Linux that could be installed on it without a CD-ROM, was very, very lightweight and yet useful. The only one I found that I like is called Deli Linux.
A machine in this class struggles to do anything these days. It won't play MP3s very well (if at all,) it barely has enough memory to run a modern browser like Firefox 1.5 (and version 1.5 isn't all that modern, believe me.) The other Deli Linux browsers that are lighter than Firefox - Dillo or Konq-E - don't display web pages very well.
Verdict: Interesting curiosity. Useful to learn about Linux but should not be given away to a normal computer user. Geeks only.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
Lego Set
The more I work with Linux, the more I am impressed with how different it is in its approach to the user than Microsoft Windows.
Take for example the user interface. The Windows XP or Vista desktop is essentially a unified seamless block of steel, whereas a Linux desktop is more like a Lego set.
Windows provides a standard look and feel with its icons, backgrounds, window appearance etc. This is great if you have the hardware to run Windows well but what if you don't? It'll be slow or crippled or won't run at all.
Linux is far more flexible. A typical graphical user interface for Linux is made up of three interdependent components:
(1) X Window System - this basic means of displaying graphics in a window (it's called "X" generally) has been around in one shape or another since 1984. X is the standard way a Unix-based operating system displays stuff. However on its own it can't do much. It requires a manager.
(2) The Window Manager. The window manager tells X how and where to display its windows. There are a variety of these around and the combination of X and some sort of window manager is pretty much all you need to get things running graphically in Linux. One of the best lightweight window managers is called Fluxbox and I use it on my old Compaq laptop. Fluxbox is Zen like in its simplicity - no icons, no easy graphical way to set up a background. A right-click brings up a basic list of applications like your web browser, but that is it. To make the system more user-friendly, the window manager needs:
(3) The Desktop Environment. Add this in and you are really getting close to a Windows type of operating system. The desktop environment adds a file manager, icons, toolbars - pretty much all the eye candy. It comes at a price though. All the extra graphics requires more powerful hardware to run at a reasonable speed.
The two most sophisticated Linux desktop environments are called Gnome and KDE. Both of these look and feel great if you are running a powerful enough computer system. They are sort of like Windows XP in their system requirements. However both of them are bog slow on an old PC like my Compaq Armada from 1998. There is a third desktop environment called Xfce which is lighter and faster, but it's not optimal for really old slow machines.
I found that the best solution for the Compaq was to forget about a sophisticated desktop environment entirely and just install the window manager Fluxbox. Then I added in a file manager called Rox-filer. Rox allows you to set a wallpaper background and add a few icons on your desktop if you want. This Flux-Rox combination is perfect for an old slow computer and still looks good.
It takes a bit more time to roll your own desktop but this is the beauty of Linux. At the end you get a fast and responsive system that satisfies your needs and in the process you learn more about his interesting alternative to Windows.
Take for example the user interface. The Windows XP or Vista desktop is essentially a unified seamless block of steel, whereas a Linux desktop is more like a Lego set.
Windows provides a standard look and feel with its icons, backgrounds, window appearance etc. This is great if you have the hardware to run Windows well but what if you don't? It'll be slow or crippled or won't run at all.
Linux is far more flexible. A typical graphical user interface for Linux is made up of three interdependent components:
(1) X Window System - this basic means of displaying graphics in a window (it's called "X" generally) has been around in one shape or another since 1984. X is the standard way a Unix-based operating system displays stuff. However on its own it can't do much. It requires a manager.
(2) The Window Manager. The window manager tells X how and where to display its windows. There are a variety of these around and the combination of X and some sort of window manager is pretty much all you need to get things running graphically in Linux. One of the best lightweight window managers is called Fluxbox and I use it on my old Compaq laptop. Fluxbox is Zen like in its simplicity - no icons, no easy graphical way to set up a background. A right-click brings up a basic list of applications like your web browser, but that is it. To make the system more user-friendly, the window manager needs:
(3) The Desktop Environment. Add this in and you are really getting close to a Windows type of operating system. The desktop environment adds a file manager, icons, toolbars - pretty much all the eye candy. It comes at a price though. All the extra graphics requires more powerful hardware to run at a reasonable speed.
The two most sophisticated Linux desktop environments are called Gnome and KDE. Both of these look and feel great if you are running a powerful enough computer system. They are sort of like Windows XP in their system requirements. However both of them are bog slow on an old PC like my Compaq Armada from 1998. There is a third desktop environment called Xfce which is lighter and faster, but it's not optimal for really old slow machines.
I found that the best solution for the Compaq was to forget about a sophisticated desktop environment entirely and just install the window manager Fluxbox. Then I added in a file manager called Rox-filer. Rox allows you to set a wallpaper background and add a few icons on your desktop if you want. This Flux-Rox combination is perfect for an old slow computer and still looks good.
It takes a bit more time to roll your own desktop but this is the beauty of Linux. At the end you get a fast and responsive system that satisfies your needs and in the process you learn more about his interesting alternative to Windows.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Treadmill Music
For the past 15 years or so - in fits and starts - whatever exercise I've gotten aside from walking outdoors has come on a treadmill.
I'm on my second one now. My original analog-controlled Vitamaster ran (after a fashion) for 13 years and I left it behind in the basement in Georgetown when we moved to the Valley. Now I have a Horizon Fitness T62 - much smoother and more powerful with automatic incline adjustment and digital everything.
Aside from the machine itself, there is one indispensable accessory to keep me motivated and active - music to accompany the walk. The way I've played music has also changed dramatically since 1992 - and I daresay for the better. Here's a list of what I've used:
Stage 1 - FM radio on a "ghetto blaster".
This was my very first attempt and it was OK I suppose for a beginner. The advantage was quick and easy setup - just turn the radio on and dial up a classic rock station like Y95. Disadvantages were annoying though. I usually started my exercise section when the station had 10 minutes of commercials in between long sets of music. Then I'd usually get Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" or something else that wasn't really up-tempo walk rock. Time to move on.
Stage 2 - Cassette tapes.
This was certainly better as I got to pick the music - no commercials either. Disadvantages were that I had to tape the music myself, make sure I started the tape at the beginning so I'd have 45 minutes of continuous rock to exercise to. Also the dam' tapes kept getting stretched by the awkward mechanism in the blaster, or small sections were erased without warning. I was soon looking for a better solution.
Stage 3 - CDs on a better ghetto blaster.
This was my preferred music source for many years. The advantages were that the music stayed clear and clean. I had a CD burner by then so I made my own CDs from my collection just as I had with tapes. No particular disadvantage other than I had a lot of CDs kicking around the basement.
Stage 4 - portable MP3 player.
I adopted this method when MP3 players shrank to the size of a cigarette lighter and I could stick one in my gym shorts. The advantage was size and portability. No big ghetto blaster any longer. However I hated ear buds and even with a good set of mini earphones the dangling cord kept getting in my way. Also I had a limited selection of songs - my player was only 128 MB. Add to that the fact that the battery would often die in the middle of a walk, and I needed another way. Fortunately I didn't have to go back to CDs.
Stage 5 - MP3s on a Linux computer.
Sarah's old Dell Dimension 4100 was perfect for this. I set it up in the basement near the treadmill, installed Ubuntu with Rhythmbox and 700 MP3s on it. Now it blasts away while I walk and never dies, seldom repeats and never gets in the way. The only disadvantage is maybe I now have too much choice - but hey, I can live with it. I think I've found my long term answer for walk rock.
I'm on my second one now. My original analog-controlled Vitamaster ran (after a fashion) for 13 years and I left it behind in the basement in Georgetown when we moved to the Valley. Now I have a Horizon Fitness T62 - much smoother and more powerful with automatic incline adjustment and digital everything.
Aside from the machine itself, there is one indispensable accessory to keep me motivated and active - music to accompany the walk. The way I've played music has also changed dramatically since 1992 - and I daresay for the better. Here's a list of what I've used:
Stage 1 - FM radio on a "ghetto blaster".
This was my very first attempt and it was OK I suppose for a beginner. The advantage was quick and easy setup - just turn the radio on and dial up a classic rock station like Y95. Disadvantages were annoying though. I usually started my exercise section when the station had 10 minutes of commercials in between long sets of music. Then I'd usually get Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" or something else that wasn't really up-tempo walk rock. Time to move on.
Stage 2 - Cassette tapes.
This was certainly better as I got to pick the music - no commercials either. Disadvantages were that I had to tape the music myself, make sure I started the tape at the beginning so I'd have 45 minutes of continuous rock to exercise to. Also the dam' tapes kept getting stretched by the awkward mechanism in the blaster, or small sections were erased without warning. I was soon looking for a better solution.
Stage 3 - CDs on a better ghetto blaster.
This was my preferred music source for many years. The advantages were that the music stayed clear and clean. I had a CD burner by then so I made my own CDs from my collection just as I had with tapes. No particular disadvantage other than I had a lot of CDs kicking around the basement.
Stage 4 - portable MP3 player.
I adopted this method when MP3 players shrank to the size of a cigarette lighter and I could stick one in my gym shorts. The advantage was size and portability. No big ghetto blaster any longer. However I hated ear buds and even with a good set of mini earphones the dangling cord kept getting in my way. Also I had a limited selection of songs - my player was only 128 MB. Add to that the fact that the battery would often die in the middle of a walk, and I needed another way. Fortunately I didn't have to go back to CDs.
Stage 5 - MP3s on a Linux computer.
Sarah's old Dell Dimension 4100 was perfect for this. I set it up in the basement near the treadmill, installed Ubuntu with Rhythmbox and 700 MP3s on it. Now it blasts away while I walk and never dies, seldom repeats and never gets in the way. The only disadvantage is maybe I now have too much choice - but hey, I can live with it. I think I've found my long term answer for walk rock.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Silent Cal
While Dave was camping in Algonquin Park, Sarah Maria and I spent the Civic Holiday weekend in Rutland Vermont.
After a day of outlet shopping we decided to immerse ourselves in a little Vermont history, so we went out to see the Calvin Coolidge Historical Site in Plymouth Notch.
I came away with a renewed appreciation of the beauty of rural Vermont, and of Mr. Coolidge himself.
History has not been kind to Calvin Coolidge. He has been portrayed as a taciturn, dour, pickle-faced politician who as President did even less than he spoke. In fact, he was a hard working, sincere, principled man who was rooted in the traditions of rural America from whence he came. He gave more speeches than any of his predecessors - wrote them himself, thank you very much. He would have had no difficulty spelling "nuclear" or "potato." He cut taxes, lowered the National Debt, and during his presidency the economy boomed.
If Calvin Coolidge can be faulted it's likely because he was old school - a horse and buggy Victorian in the age of transoceanic flight, jazz and radio broadcasts. No place could have been dearer to his heart than the tiny village of Plymouth Notch. He'd recognize it in a heartbeat.
The Notch is almost Zen-like in its beauty and simplicity. Modern fast food outlets and gas stations passed it by - it was never restored, just preserved in a time warp.
The Coolidge homestead is a rambling hodgepodge of living space, woodshed and horse barn all linked together. In its tiny sitting room Mr. Coolidge took the Presidential oath in 1923 - his notary public father administered it to him by kerosene lamp at 3AM.
Across the street is an 1840 Congregational Church, and next to the homestead is an 1890 era Vermont cheese factory. The rest of the village includes a general store, a restaurant, and some more barns and "efficiency cottages" for 1920s tourists.
In the tiny cemetery nearby Calvin Coolidge lies with his wife and sons. Cal Jr. died in 1924 while his father was president; John Coolidge lived into his 90s and survived Calvin by 67 years. The only way you could tell that Mr. Coolidge was president is by the Presidential Seal on his gravestone. That's the way he would have wanted it, I'm sure.
After a day of outlet shopping we decided to immerse ourselves in a little Vermont history, so we went out to see the Calvin Coolidge Historical Site in Plymouth Notch.
I came away with a renewed appreciation of the beauty of rural Vermont, and of Mr. Coolidge himself.
History has not been kind to Calvin Coolidge. He has been portrayed as a taciturn, dour, pickle-faced politician who as President did even less than he spoke. In fact, he was a hard working, sincere, principled man who was rooted in the traditions of rural America from whence he came. He gave more speeches than any of his predecessors - wrote them himself, thank you very much. He would have had no difficulty spelling "nuclear" or "potato." He cut taxes, lowered the National Debt, and during his presidency the economy boomed.
If Calvin Coolidge can be faulted it's likely because he was old school - a horse and buggy Victorian in the age of transoceanic flight, jazz and radio broadcasts. No place could have been dearer to his heart than the tiny village of Plymouth Notch. He'd recognize it in a heartbeat.
The Notch is almost Zen-like in its beauty and simplicity. Modern fast food outlets and gas stations passed it by - it was never restored, just preserved in a time warp.
The Coolidge homestead is a rambling hodgepodge of living space, woodshed and horse barn all linked together. In its tiny sitting room Mr. Coolidge took the Presidential oath in 1923 - his notary public father administered it to him by kerosene lamp at 3AM.
Across the street is an 1840 Congregational Church, and next to the homestead is an 1890 era Vermont cheese factory. The rest of the village includes a general store, a restaurant, and some more barns and "efficiency cottages" for 1920s tourists.
In the tiny cemetery nearby Calvin Coolidge lies with his wife and sons. Cal Jr. died in 1924 while his father was president; John Coolidge lived into his 90s and survived Calvin by 67 years. The only way you could tell that Mr. Coolidge was president is by the Presidential Seal on his gravestone. That's the way he would have wanted it, I'm sure.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Bridging the Digital Divide
OK, OK I give up - it's time to store away the film camera and switch to digital for vacations! I'm just too old and weak to be hauling a 35mm SLR and 4 lenses all over Europe any longer.
However, I didn't want to go to the expense of buying a digital SLR and a whole new set of lenses just so I could take a wide angle photo or two.
I found what I think is an appropriate compromise in the Fujifilm S6000fd bridge camera. It's cheaper than an SLR and while it lacks some of the SLR features it should do the job.
I got one earlier in July. I have been playing with it a bit, mostly taking pictures of Ottawa scenery while we've been down there cat-sitting for Sarah and Dave.
What I like about the camera so far:
(1) Nice crisp photos - a bit cooler than the Nikon CP5000 but very good clarity.
(2) Big solid well balanced camera, easy to hold like an SLR but lighter.
(3) Wide angle to telephoto lens gives 28-300 mm coverage in 35 mm film terms.
(4) Easy to use and setting is mostly through buttons, no need to go deep into menus.
(5) 6 MP sensor is fine for my use without huge file sizes and excessive noise at higher ISO.
(6) Uses normal AA and AA rechargeable batteries.
What I'm not so crazy about:
(1) It uses xD memory which is harder to find and a bit more expensive. Huge 2 Gb capacity is available though.
(2) The electronic viewfinder is dimmer and harder to see than a real optical display, although you do see the whole lens view unlike the Nikon CP 5000 I used until recently.
(3) No way to attach external flash, and the on-camera flash kept popping up when I didn't want it. I quickly learned how to switch it off.
(4) Can't go as wide as before, but I think it'll be OK. I shot at 28mm before I had a 24mm specialty lens and photos were fine.
The S600fd has face detection technology which is a neat feature for snapshots, and although it does not have vibration reduction/image stabilization built in I'm not too worried. I mostly take pictures of buildings and parks in good light and I can put up with high ISO once in a while for an indoor shot without flash.
After 25 years of using an SLR I never thought I'd shoot seriously with any other sort of camera. But never say never I guess.
However, I didn't want to go to the expense of buying a digital SLR and a whole new set of lenses just so I could take a wide angle photo or two.
I found what I think is an appropriate compromise in the Fujifilm S6000fd bridge camera. It's cheaper than an SLR and while it lacks some of the SLR features it should do the job.
I got one earlier in July. I have been playing with it a bit, mostly taking pictures of Ottawa scenery while we've been down there cat-sitting for Sarah and Dave.
What I like about the camera so far:
(1) Nice crisp photos - a bit cooler than the Nikon CP5000 but very good clarity.
(2) Big solid well balanced camera, easy to hold like an SLR but lighter.
(3) Wide angle to telephoto lens gives 28-300 mm coverage in 35 mm film terms.
(4) Easy to use and setting is mostly through buttons, no need to go deep into menus.
(5) 6 MP sensor is fine for my use without huge file sizes and excessive noise at higher ISO.
(6) Uses normal AA and AA rechargeable batteries.
What I'm not so crazy about:
(1) It uses xD memory which is harder to find and a bit more expensive. Huge 2 Gb capacity is available though.
(2) The electronic viewfinder is dimmer and harder to see than a real optical display, although you do see the whole lens view unlike the Nikon CP 5000 I used until recently.
(3) No way to attach external flash, and the on-camera flash kept popping up when I didn't want it. I quickly learned how to switch it off.
(4) Can't go as wide as before, but I think it'll be OK. I shot at 28mm before I had a 24mm specialty lens and photos were fine.
The S600fd has face detection technology which is a neat feature for snapshots, and although it does not have vibration reduction/image stabilization built in I'm not too worried. I mostly take pictures of buildings and parks in good light and I can put up with high ISO once in a while for an indoor shot without flash.
After 25 years of using an SLR I never thought I'd shoot seriously with any other sort of camera. But never say never I guess.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
10 Great Things About Turning 60
Actually I already turned 60 in November of last year but it takes a while to start appreciating why. Here's my top 10 list so far:
#10 - I'm Retired
After a couple of years of volunteer work in Almonte I am now permanently retired and it is great. No more worrying about blue Monday morning, commuting in bad weather, kissing corporate butt.
We have decent cashflow and no financial problems so why not kick back and enjoy the leisure. I don't know why anyone would want to work after 65. I was through with it at 58 and glad to be.
#9 - Steam Locomotives
I love watching them work on tourist rail lines, and I enjoy seeing them when visiting railroad museums, but I'm old enough to remember when they were actually in use on the CNR and CPR.
#8 - Great War Veterans
Now that we're down to our last one I take pride in the fact that I grew up knowing some of these grand old soldiers personally. While I'm sure it's a great thrill for the kids of today to read about Vimy, I learned firsthand what it was like from a guy who walked up the Ridge that day. RIP George.
#7 - Rock and Roll
I can remember 50 years of the stuff from Elvis to AM rock radio to Woodstock and Psychedelia to Metal and New Wave, Synthpop, Grunge, and Garage Rock. My son in law just discovered how great Randy Newman and Steve Miller are. I knew that 30 years ago.
#6 - Technical Savvy
Unlike many of the folks who are 10-15 years older than I am, I worked with computers all my career and adapted with them. I can fix a PC, blog on the Internet, do online banking without panic. It's a skill I hope I can maintain.
#5 - Senior Discounts
I get my banking fees mostly for free and I'm now getting discounts on cruises, restaurant meals and lots of other goods and services. All right!
#4 - Pocket Watches
Got my first real one from Grandpa in 1953 and since then I've collected a few others. They are works of art and keep time better than modern mechanicals - almost as good as quartz if they are properly maintained. I can remember when people used them too.
#3 - Grown Up Kids
It's great to have an adult daughter and son-in-law. We can travel with them, help them when asked, give advice if needed - just enjoy their company.
#2 - Decent Health
At this point we're still good to go on vacations, walk anywhere, do just about anything we want. It's a good age to be.
And the #1 reason:
- I'm a leading edge Boomer.
All the advantages I had of being ahead of the demographic crowd apply now. The decisions we make today are mostly followed by the mob 5-10 years fom now.
There's no crowd of retirees competing with us yet for pensions, health care, spots on cruise ships or vacations in February. They are still raising kids and working their butts off. By the time they are ready to jam up the retirement/leisure market I'll be home and cooled out by the fire (hopefully).
After a couple of years of volunteer work in Almonte I am now permanently retired and it is great. No more worrying about blue Monday morning, commuting in bad weather, kissing corporate butt.
We have decent cashflow and no financial problems so why not kick back and enjoy the leisure. I don't know why anyone would want to work after 65. I was through with it at 58 and glad to be.
#9 - Steam Locomotives
I love watching them work on tourist rail lines, and I enjoy seeing them when visiting railroad museums, but I'm old enough to remember when they were actually in use on the CNR and CPR.
#8 - Great War Veterans
Now that we're down to our last one I take pride in the fact that I grew up knowing some of these grand old soldiers personally. While I'm sure it's a great thrill for the kids of today to read about Vimy, I learned firsthand what it was like from a guy who walked up the Ridge that day. RIP George.
#7 - Rock and Roll
I can remember 50 years of the stuff from Elvis to AM rock radio to Woodstock and Psychedelia to Metal and New Wave, Synthpop, Grunge, and Garage Rock. My son in law just discovered how great Randy Newman and Steve Miller are. I knew that 30 years ago.
#6 - Technical Savvy
Unlike many of the folks who are 10-15 years older than I am, I worked with computers all my career and adapted with them. I can fix a PC, blog on the Internet, do online banking without panic. It's a skill I hope I can maintain.
#5 - Senior Discounts
I get my banking fees mostly for free and I'm now getting discounts on cruises, restaurant meals and lots of other goods and services. All right!
#4 - Pocket Watches
Got my first real one from Grandpa in 1953 and since then I've collected a few others. They are works of art and keep time better than modern mechanicals - almost as good as quartz if they are properly maintained. I can remember when people used them too.
#3 - Grown Up Kids
It's great to have an adult daughter and son-in-law. We can travel with them, help them when asked, give advice if needed - just enjoy their company.
#2 - Decent Health
At this point we're still good to go on vacations, walk anywhere, do just about anything we want. It's a good age to be.
And the #1 reason:
- I'm a leading edge Boomer.
All the advantages I had of being ahead of the demographic crowd apply now. The decisions we make today are mostly followed by the mob 5-10 years fom now.
There's no crowd of retirees competing with us yet for pensions, health care, spots on cruise ships or vacations in February. They are still raising kids and working their butts off. By the time they are ready to jam up the retirement/leisure market I'll be home and cooled out by the fire (hopefully).
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
The Toughest Game
I caught a few innings of Major League Baseball's All Star Game last night. Aside from bringing back memories of The 1991 All Star Game in Toronto (a live event Sarah and I attended) this year's game reinforced my belief that baseball is the toughest team sport to play well at the highest level.
It's not as physical as football or hockey, doesn't need the conditioning of soccer, true. But it's got to be the toughest when it comes to hand eye co-ordination, timing and the mental element.
Both teams had an awesome contingent of offensive players, and a number of home runs were blasted out of AT&T Park. One even stayed in the park - Ichiro's inside-the-parker was the first in over 70 years of All Star games. However, the pitching - oh that pitching- is the reason baseball is so tough.
As a batter in an all star game, you start out hitting against the top pitcher in the other league - a guy you likely haven't faced much. This starter is only going a couple of innings so he's amped and just going to let it all hang out with his best stuff. He's followed by another guy just as good and unfamiliar.
In the middle innings the National League hitters had to contend with a hard throwing lefty, then the 100 MPH fastball and nasty slider of a guy who was coming off a recent no-hitter, then Johan Santana's change-up and 95 MPH heat. And after that they got a steady diet of the top closers in the American League. It's a testimonial to how good the NL hitters are that they made it close in the 9th.
The fact that a baseball all-star game is a tough low scoring affair also shows that it is a real game played for keeps - unlike hockey where a check is never thrown or basketball where they just run and gun for 48 minutes without any defense.
It's not as physical as football or hockey, doesn't need the conditioning of soccer, true. But it's got to be the toughest when it comes to hand eye co-ordination, timing and the mental element.
Both teams had an awesome contingent of offensive players, and a number of home runs were blasted out of AT&T Park. One even stayed in the park - Ichiro's inside-the-parker was the first in over 70 years of All Star games. However, the pitching - oh that pitching- is the reason baseball is so tough.
As a batter in an all star game, you start out hitting against the top pitcher in the other league - a guy you likely haven't faced much. This starter is only going a couple of innings so he's amped and just going to let it all hang out with his best stuff. He's followed by another guy just as good and unfamiliar.
In the middle innings the National League hitters had to contend with a hard throwing lefty, then the 100 MPH fastball and nasty slider of a guy who was coming off a recent no-hitter, then Johan Santana's change-up and 95 MPH heat. And after that they got a steady diet of the top closers in the American League. It's a testimonial to how good the NL hitters are that they made it close in the 9th.
The fact that a baseball all-star game is a tough low scoring affair also shows that it is a real game played for keeps - unlike hockey where a check is never thrown or basketball where they just run and gun for 48 minutes without any defense.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
